'They try to shout at us' -  Peseiro believes Nigeria won't be intimidated by revenge-seeking Elephants fans

Super Eagles coach José Peseiro believes his team won't be intimidated by the atmosphere when they trade tackles with  Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow.

The Elephants players and fans are seeking revenge after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles on matchday in Group A. 

That result might mean nothing tomorrow due to what is at stake with the Super Eagles vying for their fourth AFCON title while their West African counterparts are seeking to lift the tournament for the third time.

The 2013 African champions will be seeking to spoil the party for the Elephants who are the host nation for the tournament and return to Nigeria with the title.

They will be up against a determined Ivorian side and that task won't be made easier as a result of the overwhelming support the latter are set to enjoy in the encounter.

Speaking during his pre-match conference ahead of tomorrow's final, Peseiro revealed that his team won't be intimidated by the harsh atmosphere they will be facing during the game.

"I think it is good. The stadium will be full, fantastic atmosphere. One final, my players, me, and all my staff prefer to play in a full stadium with a good atmosphere," Peseiro told reporters.

"Even sometimes, they try to shout at us, not the football but it is a good atmosphere to play in the final, only need to concentrate on what must do on the pitch, our task, job, demand, commitment, sacrifice, spirit, and what we must do in each moment of the game to manage our mental balance, before the match, along the match.

"It is for our players to put effort when the people around push for Côte d'Ivoire, you don't feel the opposite when they push for the opponent but if you want to play, you need to play with the same enthusiasm and motivation, because you want to win this AFCON, no favorite for tomorrow but you want to win this AFCON."

Peseiro is aiming to become the third foreign tactician to win the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria and the first Portuguese to ever do the same.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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